Using a Main Sail Without Battens

[casey1999]

I have a spare full batten mainsail that I want to use, but the battens are missing.

I am not concerned about optimum performance. Can I use the sail without the battens or will it flap and flutter and damage itself?

[centaursailor]

My main has batten pockets but no battens.
They might improve sail shape but on my 26ft Centaur the main only flaps when going through a tack.
Safe sailing

[casey1999]

Originally Posted by centaursailor

My main has batten pockets but no battens.
They might improve sail shape but on my 26ft Centaur the main only flaps when going through a tack.
Safe sailing

Ok, I will hoist her up and see how she does,
Thanks

[Siamese]

It'll be flappin'.

[KindOfBlue]

I don't believe that battons are expensive. You can cut them yourself too.

[puddinlegs]

It's like playing an electric guitar without an amp. Get some battens. It's not expensive.

[T37Chef]

You could make some cheap, or stop by a sail shop and see if they have any used ones. I picked some up at a local consignment shop (Bacons & Assoc in Annapolis) and cut them to size, put some tips on the end. Cost more for tip covers then the batten stock Just sayin...

[denby]

I use my main without the battens quite often and don't notice any difference in performance except in lite winds, 5kt or less.

[GulfTriton]

You can rock out without the battens. But they are pretty cheap to replace.

[TQA]

If you have significant roach it will flutter and quickly damage the sail.

Get some battens